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Clindamycin

Ingredient · In our Hormonal Breakout Cream, Post-Breakout Acne Cream and Skin Renewal Formula

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic applied to the skin to target acne bacteria and calm inflamed breakouts. It's been used in acne treatment for decades.1

Close-up of a young green seedling growing in textured soil, symbolic soil-origin imagery
Clindamycin

Photos are illustrations, not the medicine. Clindamycin is made in a lab.

FDA-approved ingredient

Topical clindamycin is FDA-approved for acne.1 Ours is mixed with other actives in a cream. Our creams are compounded by a licensed pharmacy, and compounded versions are not FDA-approved.3

FDA-approved for this useWell studied, used off-labelEarly evidenceLittle or no human data

The studies below used FDA-approved products or other forms. Our compounded version hasn't been studied in trials, and results may differ.

What it is

Clindamycin stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow. On the skin, it helps reduce the bacteria involved in inflamed acne.1

Why it's in this product

Adult and hormonal breakouts are common in midlife. Dermatologists recommend combining acne treatments that work in different ways, which is why clindamycin is paired with ingredients like azelaic acid rather than used alone.2

Hormonal Breakout CreamPost-Breakout Acne CreamSkin Renewal Formula

What the studies in people show

  • GuidelineStrongly recommended for acneThe American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 acne guidelines make a strong recommendation for topical antibiotics like clindamycin, and advise combining topical treatments that work in different ways.2

What we don't know yet

Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics over time, which is one reason guidelines favor combinations and limiting antibiotic use.1,2 How clindamycin performs inside a compounded multi-ingredient cream hasn't been tested head to head.

Safety, in plain English

The most serious risk is rare but important: diarrhea, including a severe form called colitis. Stop and call your clinician right away if you get severe or bloody diarrhea.1

A licensed clinician reviews your health history and decides whether this cream is appropriate for you. Exploring it here never means you'll get a prescription.

Curious about clindamycin?

Start with a free assessment. A licensed clinician reviews your health history and decides whether treatment is appropriate. No pressure, and no prescription unless it makes sense for you.

See Hormonal Breakout CreamHow care works

Sources

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate) topical solution, gel and lotion: prescribing information. DailyMed
  2. Reynolds RV, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90:1006.e1-1006.e30. PubMed 38300170
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers. FDA

Sources checked November 8, 2026. This page is general education, not medical advice, and it doesn't mean any treatment is right for you. Photos: Unsplash (David Dibert, Melissa Gapen, Daniele Levis Pelusi).